Kid-Safe Skincare

Parents – Are your kids and teens suddenly skincare obsessed? Know you’re not alone! Kids as young 5 years old have expressed an unprecedented interest in building skincare routines thanks to popular influencers and social media trends like “Sephora Kids.” While seemingly harmless and fun, improper or negligent use of skincare can be harmful for kids. Products like retinols, AHAs (Aplha Hydroxy Acids), and salicylic acids don’t really do anything for young skin, and use of these products on kid/tween faces can seriously damage a child’s skin barrier causing unwanted redness, irritation, and even allergic reactions. “Viral” and more customized products can also be expensive, and if they’re not doing anything for a child, why spend your money on them?

It’s not all bad, however. The recent surge in skincare and popular “10-step routines” is teaching children that it’s important to take care of their skin from an early age. Getting into the habit of washing their face and applying sunscreen daily has lifelong benefits, and if the child is interested in participating, it’s a win-win for both parent and child!

How can you as a parent navigate the skincare craze? We’ve crafted the perfect “3-Step Kidcare Routine” that’s safe, effective, and habit-forming for kids of all ages! With just 3 simple products, kids can participate in the online trend while staying safe, building positive habits, and benefiting their future adult skin! Here’s what they’ll need:

The Perfect 3-Step “Kidcare” Routine:

Cleanser

Kids can benefit from a gentle cleanser by washing the day’s dirt away from their face. It’s fine to allow children to wash their face twice daily if desired, but once per day is also fine. We love the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser because it’s not only affordable, but also gentle and safe for young/sensitive skin. Younger children may especially enjoy playing with the foam too!

Sunscreen

If your child wants to adopt a morning skincare routine, we highly recommend a daily sunscreen. We sell a myriad of our favorites at the office (Supergoop! and EltaMd), but no matter which your child chooses, the best sunscreen is one you/your child will actually use daily. There are even fun sprays and glitter variations to keep kids interested in reapplying throughout the day.

If you’ve got a tween that’s interested in both skincare and makeup, a tinted sunscreen might be a good option to consider as well. They’ll get both the benefit of a moisturizer and light, natural-looking foundation all in one! We personally love Antihelios Tinted Sunscreen by LaRoche Posay because it offers a variety of different shades.

Moisturizer

Pick something simple and with no actives in it. For dry or sensitive skin, we recommend Vanicream Facial Moisturizer as it is rich in ceramides and is hypoallergenic. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is also a great choice available at your local drugstore. It has a lighter consistency and feels cool and refreshing; plus it won’t clog tween pores.

That’s it! Simple really is best when it comes to kid and tween skincare, and with the above routine, kids and parents alike can feel confident and happy with the latest internet trend.

Have further questions about your child’s skincare routine, or interested in having your tween be seen for acne or related skincare concerns? Schedule your child’s first skincare consultation at either or Shadyside or Cranberry location!